Game 45 - Devil Rays Game 7

Beckett goes to the mound in game 1 of a 4 game series tonight. Out worthy opponent will by Waechter. Beckett is 6 and 1 while Waechter is 0 and 2. Beckett has never faced the Devil Rays in his career (baseball musing as usuall for the stats).

From MLB.com
Scouting Report:
Beckett was masterful with his fastball in his last start, leading the Red Sox to a win over the Phillies. He struck out just four, but kept Philadelphia hitters at bay until an eighth inning three-run home run by Ryan Howard. Finishing the seventh inning is nothing new for him; he's done it in seven of his nine starts. Beckett has not faced the Devil Rays in either of the two series between the teams this year.

Waechter has faced the Sox twice at Fenway (both last year), his pitching line in those games are 2 gs, 2 losses, 9 innings pitched, 13 hits, 13 runs, 11 earned runs, 3 hrs, 4 BB, 5 K's and an 11.00 ERA. To say the least he has not been impressive at Fenway except in his one relief appearance where he went 3 innings without any runs.

For all games (6 starts, 1 relief) he has pitched 30 innings, gone 1 and 2 with an ERA of 6.27. Obviously, he pitches better at home.

From MLB.com
Scouting Report:
Waechter made his first start out of the bullpen on Saturday after missing a turn in the rotation because of an off-day. He allowed three runs over six innings on six Marlins hits, walking three and striking out two. It was a big improvement from his last outing, in which he allowed seven runs on 11 hits over seven innings in his longest outing of the year. Waechter lasted just 2 2/3 innings at Boston April 19, surrendering seven runs (six earned) on five hits and three walks for his first loss of the season. He is 1-2 all-time with a 6.27 career ERA against Boston.

Some pretty good stuff in the press pass but am pressed for time you can read it yourself here.

ESPN.com's preview is here.

My thoughts, I look for the Sox to come out in overdrive tonight against this young right hander and I expect lots of scoring (save some for the other games boys). Beckett will continue to pitch well against this young team. Looking for his 7th win to be recorded tonight.

Don't remember where I saw it today but Maddon said he might not do the 34 defense tonight. We will have to wait and see.